Subaru Impreza WRX

(2000 - 2005)

The Subaru Impreza WRX has a supreme
grip, no matter what the weather is

Engine

Engine power

Fuel consumption

Fuel type

0-100 (0-60)

Top speed

2.0 16V WRX

218 hp

10.2 l/100km

Petrol

6.2 s

230 km/h

2.0 16V WRX

225 hp

9.9 l/100km

Petrol

5.9 s

232 km/h

2.0 16V WRX STi

265 hp

12.1 l/100km

Petrol

5.5 s

238 km/h

2.5 WRX STi WR1

320 hp

?

Petrol

4.3 s

250 km/h

Body type

Sedan

Number of doors

4

Number of seats

5

Engine position

Front

Driven wheels

All

Length

4 465 mm

Width

1 740 mm

Height

1 440
mm

Wheelbase

2 525
mm

Ground clearance

150
mm

Weight (normal)

1 470 kg

Weight (max)

1 820 kg

Boot space (min)

401 l

Boot space (max)

401 l

Fuel capacity

60 l

The Subaru Impreza WRX
was produced between 2000 and 2005. A new model is sold since 2006.

The flagship of the
Subaru Imprezas the WRX STi WR1 is powered by the 320 hp engine. All WRX
models offer awesome
overtaking ability and suffer from minimal turbo lag, thundering to
100 km/h (60 mph) in 6 seconds or less.

A combination of
permanent all-wheel drive and firm suspension helps the Impreza stay
bolted to the bitumen even through fast crests and dips. What's
more, the 2.0 and WRX versions manage to soak up all but the
worst lumps and bumps. The STi is more hardcore, sacrificing some of
this ride comfort for greater high-speed composure. On all models,
the steering would benefit from a tad more weight and feel.

Subaru uses flat-four
engines with the cylinders arranged horizontally rather than
vertically. They thrum when you rev them hard, but the noise is not
unpleasant and is in keeping with the Impreza's sporty character.
There's lots of road roar, particularly in the turbo cars because of
their larger wheels and tyres, while wind noise is also present at
the national limit, but not overly intrusive.

Residual values for the
Subaru Impreza should be reasonable, but the WRX versions will
hang onto their value slightly better thanks to their cult status.
Hefty emissions mean
running costs are steep whichever model you go for, while the WRX
and WRX STi drink more than 10l/100km if you make use of their massive
performance.

The plastics used in the
Impreza cabin make the centre console look cheap and the door
pockets feel flimsy. Overall, it should prove solid and durable,
though. The same goes for the mechanicals. While the WRX performance
models can have a healthy appetite for clutches, they rarely suffer
from serious problems.

Every Impreza comes with
twin front airbags and all bar the entry-level 2.0 now have side
'bags as well. Although stability control is not available, the
standard all-wheel-drive system helps to keep you on the road in
slippery conditions. On the security front you get deadlocks,
shielded door locks and an alarm.

The mock-aluminum fascia
does little to lift a dull cabin awash with shiny black plastic, but
the layout is logical and items like the air-con and stereo controls
are easy to use. Comfort is good, too, even with the heavily
bolstered sports seats of the turbocharged cars. The driver's chair
adjusts for height, but a steering wheel with reach as well as rake
adjustment would improve things. Taller drivers should avoid the
optional sunroof.

The four-door version may
look more like Subaru's Impreza rally car, but the five-door offers
extra practicality. Its rear bench splits and folds so that you can
carry bulkier items and, although the boot isn't square due to
suspension intrusion, it is a usable shape. Unfortunately, passenger
space doesn't match that of the best small hatches.

Standard kit includes
electric windows and mirrors, a single-slot CD player and
air-conditioning. You also get remote central locking and alloy
wheels. Few options are available save a four-speed automatic
gearbox for the 2.0-liter car and rally seats for the WRX.